By Charlie McGuire, Athletics Communications Assistant

EUGENE, Ore. – The Willamette University men's track & field team traveled to Eugene for the Lane Community College Open on Saturday, March 9. The Bearcats turned in some strong performances, led by junior William Hennum (Henderson, NV/Liberty HS) who ran to first place in the 3000-meter steeplechase, clocking a time of 9:48.93. Hennum was just 11.13 seconds away from his career best time of 9:37.80, set at the 2023 Northwest Conference Championships.

Adam Lewis (Fy., Glendale, CA/Eagle Rock HS) placed sixth in the steeplechase with a time of 10:31.02. First-year Myles Crandall (Monmouth, OR/Central HS) crossed the line fourth in the 400-meter dash, while classmate Matthew Nivala (Salem, OR/West Salem HS) was fifth in the 110-meter hurdle event.

The Bearcats had a very strong showing in the 400-meter hurdles, sweeping the third through seventh place spots. Simon Kidder (Sr., Bend, OR/Summitt HS) captured the bronze with a time of 58.96. Sophomores Mason Williams (Happy Valley, OR/Clackamas HS) and Jonas Cherry (Browns Valley, CA/Marysville HS) came in fourth and fifth, respectively, while Nivala and Caleb Graham (Fy., Newberg, OR/Newberg HS) took sixth and seventh. Kayden Gonzales (So., Ridgefield, WA/Hudson Bay HS) was 10th.

Liam Bergevin (Fy., Walla Walla, WA/Walla Walla HS) posted a time of 4:13.20 to finish eighth in the 1,500-meter run. Sophomore Kaleb Mcarthur (Independence, OR/Central HS) was eighth in the long jump with a distance of 21' 2.75".

The Bearcats return to action next Saturday, March 16. They will be traveling to George Fox University for the Rich Allen Classic.